REFLECTIONS TODAY
Today’s Gospel tells of the “narrow door” (stenēs thuras) and of Jesus’ teaching about salvation. There is a reference to the “narrow gate” (stenēs pulēs) in Mt 7:13-14. The narrow gate in Matthew is contrasted with the gate that is wide (plateia ē pulē — “wide is the gate.”) This gate, leading to destruction, is taken by many while the narrow gate that leads to life is taken only by a few. In today’s Gospel, the narrow door is not contrasted with the wide gate. Luke tells us that many actually attempt to enter it, but will not be strong enough. This implies that many will be inspired to follow Jesus, but will not be able to do so because of the demands of discipleship. To be saved, the inspiration must be sustained by an appropriate lifestyle.
Are we truly inspired to follow Jesus? Can we sustain this inspiration by our lifestyle? Are we strong enough to give up whatever is contrary to the demands of discipleship?
Gospel • Luke 13:22-30
Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” He answered them, “Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough. After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ He will say to you in reply, ‘I do not know where you are from.’ And you will say, ‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.’ Then he will say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!’ And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out. And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God. For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2022,” St. Pauls, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.